David Maraga Demands Voter Register Audit Amid IEBC Confusion

David Maraga Demands Voter Register Audit Amid IEBC Confusion

Presidential hopeful and former Chief Justice David Maraga has called for an immediate audit and inspection of Kenya’s voter register, adding to growing public pressure on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) following a series of statements that have sparked confusion among voters.

In a statement issued on the evening of Saturday, April 4, Maraga emphasised the need to safeguard public trust in the electoral process, warning that inconsistencies in communication from the commission risk undermining confidence in upcoming electoral activities.

“Elections are a process whose trust and integrity must be exercised at all times, not just on Election Day,” Maraga stated, underscoring the importance of continuous transparency and accountability within the electoral system.

He further called for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach to address emerging concerns, including the integrity of the voter register and broader electoral reforms.

“It is now urgent to convene a stakeholders meeting to address the audit and inspection of the voter register, Diaspora voter registration, election technology, legal reforms, and other critical electoral matters,” he added.

Maraga’s remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of the IEBC following conflicting communication regarding voters registered before 2012. The confusion arose after the commission initially suggested that some Kenyans who registered before the introduction of the biometric voter registration system in 2012 might be required to register afresh.

The statement triggered widespread concern among voters, many of whom questioned the validity of their registration status and the credibility of the existing voter database.

However, in a clarification issued later on April 4, the IEBC sought to reassure the public, stating that only individuals who did not transition into the biometric system introduced in 2012 would be required to re-register.

According to the commission, the current Register of Voters was established following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution, which ushered in electoral reforms, including the adoption of biometric voter registration to enhance accuracy, eliminate duplication, and strengthen the integrity of the electoral process.

“Consequently, individuals who had previously enrolled as voters before 2012 are not part of the current biometric RoV unless they subsequently presented themselves for fresh registration,” the commission clarified.

The IEBC further noted that the biometric voter register, which has been in use since the 2013 General Election, was independently audited ahead of the 2022 polls and currently contains over 22 million registered voters. It maintains that the database remains credible, secure, and reliable.

Despite these assurances, Maraga cautioned that the recent sequence of statements could erode public confidence if not addressed promptly and transparently.

He revealed that he had previously engaged IEBC officials in a consultative meeting on March 23, during which he emphasised the need for strict adherence to electoral integrity principles, particularly in the management of voter data and election technology.

The former Chief Justice reiterated that elections should be viewed as a continuous process, requiring consistent oversight and public engagement beyond election cycles.

His call for an audit aligns with concerns raised by various stakeholders, including civil society groups and political actors, who have urged the commission to enhance clarity in its communication and ensure that all eligible voters are accurately captured in the register.

As the IEBC continues with preparations for future electoral activities, including voter registration exercises, the focus is now shifting to how effectively the commission can restore public confidence and demonstrate transparency in managing one of the country’s most critical democratic tools.

The outcome of the proposed stakeholder engagement and any subsequent audit processes is expected to play a key role in shaping public perception of the electoral body’s readiness to deliver free, fair, and credible elections.

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David Maraga Demands Voter Register Audit Amid IEBC Confusion